Review on Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters by Outdoor Research by James Mayfield

Bought the large but returned in favor of the small. However, the measurement that really matters is the circumference of my foot in the smallest size just above the ankle which is 9 inches. Another important point is the main reason for the purchase and what I will not wear with it - pants. A typical hike for me is 12 miles with over 3,000 feet of ascent. I sweat a lot and always wear shorts when hiking unless it's below freezing. I live in the south so I rarely wear them with pants. I bought them not so much to keep dirt out of my boot as to keep water out of my boot. In particular, rainwater runs down my foot and fills my boot. Or if I have many creeks crossing something to keep water out. Splashes up the shaft of the boot - at least slow it down. I don't wear them on 75% of my hikes because I don't want to trap more heat and sweat in my boots. So the added benefit of being small is less bulk and weight in my pack for something I don't normally carry unless the rain surprises me. So how I'm going to use them, Big was too big. It landed higher on my calf than the little one, but it won't stay there and I don't want it to be that high - I want it to be just above the toe of my boot. A lot of material was thrown aside when it fell on the top of my boot. And with my ankle circumference, the elastic didn't pinch my foot, and I was able to slip my toe between my foot and the elastic without stretching the elastic. The little foot was much better. Came just over my boot without lifting. I attached the buckle to the third hole from the end of the strap. The elastic was not tight around the ankle - in fact it was still a little loose. To keep the rain from running down my leg and through the loose elastic band of the sock, I shaved a blade width around my leg just above where I want it. elastic top for sitting. I will use Leukotape P to tape the top of the sock to my leg for sealing. Duct tape is also good for preventing blisters and is preferred over moleskin by many. It was frustrating that it's impossible to figure this out without buying both, so I'm hoping this level of detail will help someone get there faster. Happy trails